Kolo Toure Bio Send To Friend  

Manchester City captain Kolo Toure is a commanding centre half who offers the Ivory Coast a wealth of experience having established himself as one of the Premier League's best defenders during a seven-season spell with Arsenal. One of Arsene Wenger's best value signings after his reported £150,000 purchase from Ivorian side Asec Mimosas, Toure was an integral part of Wenger's 2003-04 "Invincibles" side, forming a solid central defensive partnership with Sol Campbell.

Toure had already earned 17 international caps when he joined the Gunners, aged 20, winning his first against Rwanda in 2000. He helped the Ivory Coast to the 2006 African Nations Cup final, where he scored a penalty in the shoot-out defeat to Egypt, and played in the Elephants' inaugural World Cup appearance in 2006.

At Arsenal, Toure formed a useful partnership with William Gallas after the Frenchman signed in 2006, but after being passed over for the captaincy in favour of Gallas following Thierry Henry's departure, Toure reportedly had a bust-up with the Frenchman. His performance levels dipped and he demanded a move away from the club in January 2009. In July, Manchester City signed Toure for £16 million, with Mark Hughes valuing his experience so much that he appointed the Ivorian club captain to lead his side's charge at the Premier League title.

Strengths: Exceptional tackler and an all-round powerful centre back, with a great ability to intercept and solid aerial presence.

Weaknesses: Toure has often been criticised for occasional lapses in concentration and at the World Cup, the Ivorian's decision making will need to be top drawer if he is not to be embarrassed by some of the world's best forwards.

Career High: Winning the 2003-04 Premier League title with the Arsenal "Invincibles" team.

Career Low: Losing the final of the 2006 African Nations Cup on penalties.

Style: Commanding centre back with bags of experience.

Quotes: "He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room. Kolo was a central figure in a very strong Arsenal team for many years and I feel we have recruited a world-class player." Mark Hughes, July 2009

Trivia: Toure was the final regular starter from Arsenal's "Invincibles" to leave the club when he departed for Manchester City in July 2009.

Soccernet says: Toure offers the Ivory Coast some much-needed top-level experience at the back and his history of dealing with the world's best strikers during his time in the Premier League will be vital for the 2010 finals.